Optionally 17-alkylated and 7-oxygenated androst (an and 5-en)-3-ol aminoalkyl esters and ethers



United States Patent Ofiice 3,013,09 Patented Dec. 12, 1961 This invention relates to optionally l7-alkylated and 7-oxygenated androst(an and 5-en)-3-ol aminoalkyl esters and ethers, and processes for the manufacture thereof. More particularly, this invention relates to compounds of the formula HaC wherein R represents hydrogen or an alkyl radical, X represents a methylene (CH or carbonyl (CO) radical, Alk represents an alkylene radical, Z represents an optionally alkylated amino radical, and n represents or the positive integer 1. Additionally, this invention relates to compounds identical with those hereinabove enformulated except that there is a double bond in the (6) position. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that when n in the foregoing formula is 0, the described compounds are ethers, since the carbonyl constituent of the aminoalkyl side-chain drops out; otherwise (when n is 1) the compounds set forth are esters.

Among the alkyl radicals contemplated by R in the above formula, particularly lower alkyl groupings are preferred, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, tort-pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, hcptyl, octyl, and like C H radicals wherein s is a positive integer amounting to less than 9.

The alkylene radicals comprehended by Alk in the formula are preferably of lower order also and, accordingly, will be understood to consist of bivalent saturated acyclic straightor branched-chain hydrocarbon groupings of empirical formula, H wherein m is a small positive integer greater than 1. Examples of such radicals are:

1,2-ethylene z z) Trimethylene (CH CH CH 1,2-propylene I (-CHZCHCHa) Tetramethylene (CH CH CH CH 2-methyl-1,2-propylene CH3 2,4-pentylene (OHsdHcmdHCHo 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propylene (-CHzC CHz) 2 3-methy1-1,4-butylene I 1 (-CI-IzCHz? HCH2) 0H3 Hexamethylene (CH CH CH CH CH etc.

Z in the generic formula for compounds of this invention subsumes both the amino radical, NH;, and the amino radical as modified by introduction of 1 or 2 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl radicalsespecially lower alkyl and hydroxy(lower alkyl) radicals. In the latter circumstance, the alkyl and hydroxyalkyl groupings present may be either discrete, as when for example Z designates a radical of the formula lower alkyl lower alkyl or they may be joined together directly or through oxygen or a second nitrogen to compose cyclic amino radicals optimally comprising at least 4 and not more than 7 carbon atoms. Illustrative of the cyclic amino radicals comtemplated by Z are pyrrolidinyl, 2-methylpyrrolidinyl, ,S-dimethylpyrrolidinyl, 3 methyl-4-ethylpyrrolidinyl, pipe-ridinyl, S-methylpiperidinyl, 2,6-dimethylpiperidinyl, morpholinyl, piperazinyl, 4-methylpiperazinyl, 4-hydroxyethylpiperazinyl, and like monovalent 5- and 6-membered heterocyclic groupings.

Equivalent to the hereinabove-described amines for purposes of the present invention are their non-toxic acid addition salts, the composition of which is depicted by and A compounds corresponding, wherein R, X, Alk,

and n have the meanings previously assigned; T is 1 equivalent of an anionfor example, chloride, bromide, iodide, nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, sulfamate, methyl sulfate, ethyl sulfate, benzenesulfonate, toluenesulfonate, acetate, lactate, succinate, malate, maleate, tartrate, citrate, gluconate, ascorbate, benzoate, cinnamate, or the like-which, in combination with the cationic portion of a salt aforesaid, is neither pharmacologically nor otherwise undesirable in physiological dosage; and y is 1 except where Z comprises a piperazinyl radical, in which case y is either 1 or 2.

The compounds to which this invention relates are useful because of their valuable pharmacological properties. For example, they are tranquilizing, eurhythmic, anticonvulsant, and anti-hypertensive agents; and particularly the 3-ethers hereof appear to be characterized by an unusually prolonged duration of activity. They are, moreover, not only parenterally but orally effective.

Manufacture of the A compounds hereof proceeds by interaction of an appropriate steroidal intermediate preferably in the presence of an inert solvent and using an alkaline catalyst such as sodium iodide to promote reactivity. The corresponding (6)-saturated analogs, in turn, are derived from the A compounds by low pressure hydrogenation in acetic acid or like solvent, with platinum oxide or the equivalent as catalyst. Conversion of the amine bases of this invention to corresponding acid addition salts is accomplished by simple admixture of these compounds with either 1 or 2 equiva lents of any of various inorganic and strong organic acids, the anionic portion of which conforms to Z as hereinabove defined.

The following examples describe in detail certain of the compounds illustrative of the present invention and methods which have been devised for their manufacture. However, the invention is not to be construed as limited thereby, either in spirit or in scope, since it will be apparent to those skilled in the art of organic synthesis that many modifications, both of materials and of methods, may be practiced without departing from the purpose and intent of this disclosure. In the examples hereinafter detailed, temperatures are given in degrees centigrade, pressures in pounds per square inch (p.s.i.), and relative amounts of materials in parts by weight, except as otherwise noted.

with a selected amine Example 1 A. 35-(3-chlor0propionyloxy)pregn-5-ene.-To an anhydrous solution of approximately 13 parts of pregn-S- en-35-ol in 540 parts of benzene at 35 is added, with agitation, approximately 13 parts of S-chloropropionyl chloride, followed by approximately 13 parts of 2,4,6- trimethylpyridine. The resultant mixture is maintained at 30-35" for 1 hour, then at room temperatures for 2 hours, agitation being continued the while. Precipitation of 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine hydrochloride begins almost at once, and is completed at the close of the heating period by mixing in approximately 840'parts of anhydrous ether. The precipitate is removed by filtration; and the filtrate is washed consecutively with dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute aqueous sodium carbonate, water, and brine, following which the solvent is removed by vacuum distillation. The residue is 3 3-(3-chloropropionyloxy)- pregn-S-ene, which is characterized by principal bands in the infrared spectrum at 5.77 ,7.95, and 8.22-8.36 (determined in chloroform solution).

B. 3fi-[3-(1-pyrr0lidinyl)propionyloxy]pregn 5 ene hydrochloride-To an anhydrous solution of 23 parts of 3p-(3-chloropropionyloxy)pregn-S-ene in 1200 parts of acetone at 40 is added, with agitation, approximately. 7. parts of pyrrolidine and 13 parts of sodium iodide. The resultant mixture is maintained at 3540" for 1 /2 hours, then allowed to cool to room temperatures over 1 /2 hours, agitation being continued the while. Precipitation of sodium chloride occurs in process. At the end of theprescribed 3 hours, acetone is removed by vacuum distillation; and the slushy residue is mixed with 1000 partsof cold aqueous 5% sodium bicarbonate. The resultant mixture is extracted with ether. The ether extract is successively washed with dilute aqueous sodium carbonate, water, and brine; dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate; and stripped of solvent by evaporation. The brown oil thus obtained contains a small amount of unreacted pyrrolidine, which is removed by vacuum distillation. The residue is taken up in 700 parts of anhydrous ether, and to the ether solution is added a slight excess (representatively, 2 parts) of hydrogen chloride dissolved in approximately 7 parts of 2-propanol. The yellow precipitate thrown down is 3;8-[3-(l-pyrrolidiuyl)propionyloxy]-pregn-5-ene hydrochloride which, recrystallized from absolute ethanol, is obtained as a colorless product melting at 218-220 (uncorr.). The product has the formula (EHzCHrCOO .1101

Example 2 A. 35 (3 chloropropionyloxy)pregn-5-en-7-0ne.- Using the procedure of Example 1A, 20 parts of 35- hydroxy-pregn-5-en-7-0ne [preparable by the procedure of Rapala and Farkas, J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 77, 6685 (1955)], 16 parts of 3-chloropropionyl chloride, and 13 parts of 2,4,6-dirnet-hylpy-ridine in 560 parts of benzene affords 3B-(3-chloropropionyloxy)pregn-5-en-7-one, which is characterized by principal bands in the infrared spectrum at 5.76, 5.99, 6.15, 8.24, and 8.4% (determined in chloroform solution). The ultraviolet spectrum is characterized by a maximum absorption at 235 11., with a molar extinction coefficient of 13600 (in methanol solution).

B. 3,8 [3-(l-pyrrolidinyl)propionyloxy]pregn-5-cn-7- one hydrochl0ride.Substitution of approximately 21 parts of 3;3-(S-chloropropionyloxy)pregn-5'en-7-0ne for the 23 parts of 3f3-(3-chloropropionyloxy)pregn-S-ene called for in Example 1B affords, by the procedure there detailed, 3fl-[3-( l-pyrrolidinyl)propiouyloxy1pregn-5-en- 7-one hydrochloride. The colorless product is dimorphic, occurring as needles or platelets, and melts at approximately 194-195. It has the formula 7 H3 0 G 2H5 H3O i l (FHiCHzCOO Example 3 A. 313-(3-chloropropionyloxy)cholest 5 elm-Using the procedure of Example 1A, 20 parts of cholesterol, 13 parts of 3-chloropropionyl chloride, and 13 parts of 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine in 540 parts of benzene afiords 313-(3-chloropr0pionyl0xy)cholest-S-ene, which is characterized by principal bands in the infrared spectrum at 5.76, 7.94, and 8.20-8.35,U. (determined in chloroform solution).

B. 35 [3-(1-pyrrolidinyl)propionyloxy] cholest-S-erze hydrochlride.Substitution of 23 parts of 3,8-(3-chloropropionyloxy)cholest-S-ene for the 23 parts of 36-(3- chloropropionyloxy)pregn--ene called for in Example 13 aifords, by the procedure there detailed, 3,8-[3-(1- pyrrolidinyl)propionyloxy]cholest 5-ene hydrochloride. The colorless product melts at 211-213 (uncom) and has the formula C. 3 3 [3 (I-pyrr0lidinyl)propionyloxy]cholest-5- ene.-Conversion of the acid addition salt of the preceding part B of this example to the free base is ac complished by alkalization of an aqueous suspension with sodium bicarbonate, extraction with ether, washing, and evaporation of solvent as detailed in Example 10. 3 3-[3- (1-pyrrolidinyl)propionyloxy]cholest-S-ene is characterized by principal bands in the infrared spectrum at 5.77 and 8.2011. (determined in a potassium bromide disc).

Example 4 A. 3,3 (p tolylsulfonyloxy)pregn 5 ene.-Using the procedure of Stoll, Z. physiol. Chemie, 207, 147 (1932), 30 parts of pregn-5-en-3/3-ol is esterified with 30 parts of p-tolylsulfonyl chloride in 300 parts of pyridine. The 3/5-(p-tolylsulfonyloxy)pre -5-ene so produced, recrystallized from a mixture of acetone and ether, is obtained as tiny needles melting at 135-136.

B. 3B-(3-clzl0ropropoxy)pregn-5-ene.To a solution of 150 parts of 3B-(p-tolylsulfonyloxy)pregn-S-ene in approximately 500 parts of benzene is added, with agitation under a nitrogen atmosphere at 7080", 316 parts of 3-chloropropanol. Agitation is maintained under nitrogen at the prescribed temperatures for 1 /2 hours, following which 1750.parts of ether is introduced and the resultant solution is successively washed with aqueous sodium carbonate, water, and brine. The solution is then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated to approximately its original volume by vacuum distillation. The warm concentrate is diluted with approximately 960 parts of warm acetone and then chilled. The desired 3fl-(3-chloropropoxy)pregn-5-ene crystallizes as fine white needles melting at approximately 99.0-99.5 The product is further characterized by a specific rotation of 40 (in chloroform solution).

C. 3,8-(3-dimethylaminopr0p0xy)pregn-S-ene hydrochl0ride.To an anhydrous mixture of 9 parts of 3,8-(3- chloropropoxy)pregn-S-ene and approximately 7 parts of sodium iodide in 200 parts of butanone at l0 is added an ice-cold solution of 7 parts of dimethylamine in 20 parts of toluene. The resultant mixture is heated in a sealed vessel at 60-65 for 42 hours, then stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The warm sirupy residue is thoroughly mixed with 500 parts of cold aqueous 5% sodium carbonate, following which the mixture is cooled to approximately 5 and maintained thereat for several hours. Precipitated solids are removed by filtration and D. 3B-(3-dimethylaminopropoxy)pregn -5-ene.A suspension of 40 parts of 35-(3-dimethylaminopropoxy)- pregn-S-ene hydrochloride in 1000 parts of aqueous 5% sodium carbonate is vigorously agitated for 15 minutes and then extracted with ether. The ether extract is successively washed with dilute aqueous sodium carbonate, water, and brine; dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate; and stripped of solvent by evaporation. The residue is the desired free base, 3,8-(3-dimethylaminopropoxy)pregn-S- ene.

Example 5 A. 3 13- (3-dim ethy laminopropoxy pregiz-S -ene hydrochlo'ride.-A mixture of 10 parts of 3,8-(3-chloropropoxy)pregn-5-ene, approximately 6 parts of diethylamine, and approximately 7 parts of sodium iodide in 240 parts of acetone is heated in a sealed vessel at 60-65 for 24 hours. Solvent is then removed by vacuum distillation; and the Warm sirupy residue is thoroughly mixed with 500 parts of cold aqueous 5% sodium carbonate. The resultant mixture is cooled to approximately 5 and maintained thereat for several hours. Precipitated solids are removed by filtration and taken up in ether. The ether solution is successively washed with dilute aqueous sodium carbonate, water, and brine; dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate; and diluted with 1 part of hydrogen chloride dissolved in 3 parts of 2-propanol. The precipitate thrown down is collected on a filter, Washed thereon with ether, and dried in vacuo. The White powder thus obtained is 3/3-(3-diethylaminopropoxy)pregn-S-ene hydrochloride which, crystallized from absolute ethanol, melts at approximately 201202. The product has the formula B. 3,8- (3-aimethylamin0pr0p0xy pregn-5-ene.-Conversion of the acid addition salt of the preceding part A of this example to 3B-(3-diethylaminopropoxy)pregn-S-ene is accomplished by alkalization of an aqueous suspension with sodium carbonate, extraction into ether, washing,

and evaporation of solvent as detailed in Example 4D.

Example 6 A. 3B-(3-chlor0pr0p0xy)ch0lest-5-ene.A solution of 32 parts of 3/3-(p-tolylsulfonyloxy)cholest-S-ene in parts of 3-chloropropanol is heated at 65-75 for 1 /2 hours under nitrogen. The solution is then cooled and thoroughly mixed with 450 parts of cold water. The

granular precipitate which forms is collected on a filter, washed thereon with water, and dried in. air. The light yellow solid thus obtained is recrystallized from acetone to give colorless clusters of massive needles melting at approximately 83-84", and with a specific rotation in chloroform solution of 29. This material is 3,8-(3- chloropropoxy) cholest-S-ene.

B. Bfi-(S-diethylaminopropoxy)cholest-S-ene hydrochlride.-A mixture of 8 parts of 3 9-(3-chloropropoxy)- cholest-S-ene, approximately parts of diethylarnine, and approximately 6 parts of sodium iodide in 200 parts of acetone is heated in a sealed vessel at 60-65 for 30 hours. Solvent is then removed by vacuum distillation; and the warm sirupy residue is thoroughly mixed with 500 parts of cold aqueous 5% sodium carbonate. The resultant mixture is cooled to approximately 5 and maintained thereat for several hours. Precipitated solids are removed by filtration andtaken up in ether. The ether solution is successively washed with dilute aqueous sodium carbonate, water, and brine; dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate; and diluted with 1 part of hydrogen chloride dissolved in 3 parts of 2-prop'anol. The precipitate thrown down is collected on a filter, washed thereon with ether, and dried in vacuo. The material thus obtained is 313-(3-diethylaminopropoxy)cholest-S- ene hydrochloride, which is characterized by principal bands in the infrared spectrum at 3.82, 4.12, 7.25, 7.35, 9.01, 9.47, and 9.75 (determined in a. potassium bromide disc). The product has the formula inc C. 3,8(3 diethylaminopropoxy)clz0lest-5-ene.-A suspension of 30 parts of 318-(3-diethylaminopropoxy)- cholest-S-ene hydrochloride in 750 parts of aqueous 5% sodium carbonate is vigorously agitated for minutes and then extracted with ether. The ether extract is successively washed with dilute aqueous sodium carbonate, Water, and brine; dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate; and stripped of solvent by evaporation. The residue is the desired free base, 313-(3diethylaminopropoxy)cholest- S-ene.

Example 7 A. 3p -(2-chlOr0eth0xy)pregn-5-ene.-A solution of 35 parts of 35-(p-tolylsulfonyloxy)pregn-S-ene in approximately 150 parts of 2-chloroethanol is heated with agitation at 75-78 for 1 /2 hours. The solution is then cooled and diluted with approximately 500 parts of ether. The resultant solution is successively washed with aqueous sodium carbonate, water, and brine, following which it is dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and finally stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is taken up in hexane and chromatographed on silica gel, using hexane and benzene as developing solvents. There is isolated by this means pure 3 3-(2-chloroethoxy)pregn- S-ene, which is characterized by principal bands in the infrared spectrum at 7.50, 8.28, 9.04, 9.30, 9.51, 9.68, 9.82, and 1045 (determined in a potassium bromide disc B. 3/3-[2-(1 pyrrolidinyl)ethoxylpregn-S ene hydrochl0-ride.-To a solution of 21 parts of 318-(2-chloroethoxy)pregn-5-ene in 560 parts of dry redistilled acetone under a nitrogen atmosphere is added 9 parts of pyrrolidine and 15 parts of sodium iodide. The resultant mixture is heated at the boiling point under reflux with agitation for 24 hours, then concentrated to approximately V its volume by distillation. The warm concens trate is poured, with vigorous agitation, into approximately 2000 parts of cold aqueous 5% sodium carbonate; and the mixture thus obtained is maintained at 510 for approximately 4 hours. Solids are then filtered off and dissolved in ether. The ether solution is consecutively washed with dilute aqueous sodium bicarbonate, water, :andbrine; dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate; and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is taken up in absolute ether; and to this ether solution, with agitation, is slowly added a slight excess (rep resentatively, 2 parts) of hydrogen chloride dissolved in 7 parts of 2-propanol. The yellow precipitate thrown down is collected on a filter, washed thereon with ether, and dried in vacuo. Recrystallization from absolute ethanol affords the desired 35-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethoxy]- pregn-S-ene hydrochloride as a substantially colorless product melting :at 197l98.5. The product is stable at room temperatures for only a few days, slowly losing hydrogen chloride on storage. The product has the formula CH2CH2O .1101

A. 35-[3-(1-pyrrolidinyl)pr0p0xy1pregn-5-ene hydrochloride-Using the procedure of Example 7B, 19 parts of 3B-(3-chloropropoxy)pregn-S-ene, approximately 8 parts of pyrrolidine, and approximately 14 parts of sodium iodide in 480 parts of dry redistilled acetone affords 3 5- [3-( l-pyrrolidinyl) propoxy] pregn-S-ene hydrochloride, which crystallizes from absolute ethanol as needles meltiug at approximately 210-211. The product has the formula 02H; HaC i (EHZCHQCHIO .HCl

Example 9 l li sC C. 3,9-[S-(J-pyrrolidinyl)propoxy]androst 5 ene.- Conversion of the acid addition salt of the preceding part B of this example to the free base is accomplished by mixing with an excess of aqueous sodium carbonate, extraction into ether, washing, and evaporation of solvent as detailed in Example 6C.

Example 10 A. 1 7 B-m ethyl-3 fip-tolylsul fony loxy andrst-5 -ene. Substitution of 28 parts of 17fl-methylandrost-5-en-3B-ol [preparable by saponification of the 3-acetate obtained on oxidation of 3/3-acetoxypregn-5-ene according to the technique of Fieser et al., J. Amer. Chem. Soc, 71, 2226 (1949)] for the 30 parts of pregn--en-3B-ol called for in Example 4A affords, by the procedure there detailed, 17,8-methyl-3fi-(p-tolysulfonyloxy)androst-S-ene, which melts at approximately 126-127.

B. 36-(3 chloropropoxy)-]7 8-methylandr0st-5-ene.-

A solution of 20 parts of l7,8-methyl-3fl-(p-tolylsulfonyloxy)-androst-5-ene in approximately 115 parts of 3-chloropropanol is heated at 65-75 for 1 /2 hours under nitrogen. The solution is then cooled and-thoroughly mixed with 450 parts of cold water. cipitate which forms is collected on a filter, Washed there on with water and dried in air. The product thus obtained is the desired 3 3-(3-chloropropoxy)-17,8-methylandrost- S-ene.

5-ene hydrochl0ride.-Using the procedure of Example 7B, 16 parts of 3B-(3-chlo-ropropo-xy)-17;8-methylandrost- 5-ene, 9 parts of pyrrolidine, 15 parts of sodium iodide, and 560 parts of dry redistilled acetone affords 175- methyl-3fl- 3-( l-pyrrolidinyl propoxy] androst-S-ene hydrochloride which, crystallized from absolute ethanol, melts at 214-216". The product has the formula CH; H30 l (EHaCHgCHzO D. 175 methyl 319 [3 (1 pyrrolidinyl)prop0xy]- .HCl

The granular preandrost 5 men-Conversion of the acid addition salt of the preceding part C of this example to 17B-methyl-3;8 [3 (1 pyrrolidinyl)propoxy] androst 5 ene is accomplished by mixing with an excess of aqueous 5% sodium carbonate, extraction into ether, washing and evaporation of solvent as detailed in Example 4D.

Example 11 A. 319 [3 (1 pyrrolidinyl)pr0poxy]cholest 5 ene hydr0chl0ride.Using the procedure of Example 7B, 16 parts of 3 8-(3-chloropropoxy)cholest-S-ene, 9 parts of pyrrolidine, 15 parts of sodium iodide, and 40 0 parts of dry redistilled acetone affords 3B-[3-(1-pyrrolidinyD- propoxy] cholest-S-ene hydrochloride which, recrystallized from absolute ethanol, is obtained as long silky needles melting at 205-207. The product has the formula ICHZCHlOHZO L B. 36 [3 (I pyrr0lidinyl)pr0p0xy]cholert 5 ene.Conversion of this acid addition salt of the preceding part A of this example to SB-[S-(I-pyrrolidinyD- propoxyJcholest-S-ene is accomplished by mixing with a slight excess of aqueous 5% sodium carbonate, extraction into ether, washing, and evaporation of solvent as detailed in Example 4D.

Example 12 A. 35 (3 piperidinopropoxy)pregn 5 erze hydrochloride.-Using the procedure of Example 7B, 20 parts of 318-(3-chloropropoxy)pregn-S-ene, 10 parts of piperidine, and approximately 14 parts of sodium iodide in 510 parts of dry redistilled acetone afford 3fl-(3-piperidinopropoxy)pregn-5-ene hydrochloride which, crystallized from absolute ethanol, melts in the range 233-239". The product has the formula B. 3,8 (3 piperidinopropoxy)pregn 5 ene.Con version of the acid addition salt of the preceding part A of this example to 3fi-(3-piperidinopropoxy)pregn-S-ene is accomplished by mixing with an excess of aqueous 5% sodium carbonate, extraction into ether, washing, and evaporation of solvent as detailed in Example 6C.

Example 13 A. 318 (3 marpholinopropoxfi'pregn 5 ene hydrochloride-Using the procedure of Example 7B, 18 parts of 35-(3-chloropropoxy)pregn-S-ene, approximately 9 parts of morpholine, and 13 parts of sodium iodide in 480 parts of dry redistilled acetone alfords 3;3-(3-morpholinopropoxy)pregn-5-ene hydrochloride which, crystallized from absolute ethanol, melts in the range 2.l220. The product has the formula 1 HaC i i CHzCHzCHzO- i .HCl

Example 14 A. 36- {3 [4 (2 hydroxyerhyl) 1 piperazinyl1- pr0p0xy}pregn 5 ene dihydr0chl0ride.-To a solution of 20 parts of 3,8-(3-chloropropoxy)pregn-S-ene in 560 parts of dry redistilled acetone under a nitrogen atmosphere is added 17 parts of Z-hydroxyethylpiperazine and parts of sodium iodide. The resultant mixture is heated at the boiling point under reflux with agitation for 24 hours, then concentrated to approximately its volume by distillation. The warm concentrate is poured, with vigorous agitation, into approximately 2000 parts of cold aqueous 5% sodium carbonate; and the mixture thus obtained is maintained at 5-l0 for approximately 4 hours. Solids are then filtered off and dissolved in ether. The ether solution is consecutively washed with dilute aqueous sodium bicarbonate, water, and brine; dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate; and stripped of solvent by vacuum distillation. The residue is taken up in absolute ether, and the ether solution is mixed into sufficient hydrogen chloride (representatively, 4 parts) dissolved in 14 parts of 2-propanol to achieve acidity. The precipitate thrown down is collected on a filter, washed thereon with ether, and dried in vacuo. Recrystallization from absolute ethanol in the presence of excess hydrogen chloride affords the desired 318-{3-[4-(Z-hydroxyethyl)-l-piperazinyl]propoxy}pregn-5-ene dihydrochloride, melting at approximately 270. The product is sensitive to heat at temperatures considerably below this point and decomposes at temperatures as low as 180 if maintained thereat in the open air. The product has the formula B. 35 {3 [4 (2 Hydroxyethyl) 1 piperazinyl1- propoxy}pregn-5-ene.A solution of parts of 35-{3- [4 (Z-hydroxyethyl)-l-piperazinyl]propoxy}pregn-5-ene dihydrochloride in 500 parts of aqueous 5% sodium carbonate is vigorously agitated for 20 minutes, during which time precipitation occurs. The precipitate is collected on a filter, washed thereon with water, and dried in air. Upon recrystallization from acetone, there is obtained 3 {3-{3- [4- 2-hydroxyethyl) -l-piperazinyl] propoxy}pregn S-ene as short fine needles melting at approximately 106- 107". The product is further characterized by a specific rotation of -3S (in chloroform solution).

Example 15 3 ,3- [3-( 1 -pyrr0lidinyl propoxy] -5a-pregnane.--A solution of 35 parts of B B-[3%l-pyrrolidinyl)propoxyjpregn- S-e-ne in 850 parts of glacial acetic acid is hydrogenated at room temperatures and pressures of the order of 50 p.s.i,, using 1 part of platinum oxide as catalyst. When the uptake of hydrogen indicates that reduction of the 5(6) double bond is complete (representatively, after 3 hours), the catalyst is filtered off; and the filtrate is distilled in. vacuo to remove the bulk of the acetic acid. The residue is taken up in 3500 parts of ether; and this solution is successively washed with dilute aqueous sodium carbonate, water, and brine; dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate; and stripped of solvent by evaporation. The residue, crystallized from acetone, afiords 33-[3-(l-pyrrolidinyDpropoxy]-5a-pregnane as short fiat blades melting at approximately 78.5. The product is further characterized by specific rotation of +12.4 (in chloroform solution). It has the formula C2115 H36 i HsC Example 16 What is claimed is: 1. A compound selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula R H30 l and 13 compounds corresponding thereto, R in the formula being selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl radicals; X in the formula being selected from the group consisting of methylene and carbonyl radicals; Alk in the formula being a lower alkylene radical; Z in the formula being selected from the group consisting of di(lower alkyl)amino and saturated cyclic amino radicals attached to alk via nitrogen, said cyclic amino radicals comprising at least 4 and not more than 6 carbon atoms and there being not more than six members in the ring; and n in the formula being selected from the group consisting of 0 and the positive integer l.

2. A compound of the formula HaG (EHzCHzCOO wherein R is a lower alkyl radical.

3. 3;8-[3-(1-pyrrolidinyl)propionyloxy]pregn-S-ene.

4. 35-[3 (1 pyrrolidinyl)propionyloxy]pregn--en-7- one.

5. A compound of the formula N-Alk-O RII wherein R, R, and R" are lower alkyl radicals and Alk is a lower alkylene radical.

6. A compound of the formula -CH2CH2CH20 RI! wherein R and R" are lower alkyl radicals. 7. 3 8-(3-diethylaminopropoxy)pregn-S-ene. 8. A compound of the formula HaC wherein R is a lower alkyl radical, Alk is a lower alkylene radical, and Z is a saturated cyclic amino radical attached to Alk via nitrogen and comprising at least 4 and not more than 6 carbon atoms and there being not more than six members in the ring.

9. A compound of the formula 14 wherein R is a lower alkyl radical and Z is a saturated cyclic amino radical attached to Alk via nitrogen and comprising at least 4 and not more than 6 carbon atoms and there being not more than six members in the ring.

10. A compound of the formula R HsC I wherein R is a lower alkyl radical and Alk is a lower alkylene radical.

11. A compound of the formula propoxy}pregn-5-ene.

15. A compound of the formula wherein R is a lower alkyl radical.

16. 318- [3- l-pyrrolidinyl) propoxy] -5a-pregnane.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,023,075 Harris Dec. 3, 1935 2,586,438 Rosenberg Feb. 19, 1952 2,816,119 Campbell et a1. Dec. 10, 1957 2,840,581 Hogg et al June 24, 1958 2,885,413 Hogg et al May 5, 1959 2,889,318 Bergstrom June 2, 1959 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF (IQRRECTIQN Patent No. 3,013,009 December-12,1961,

Charles W, Marshall It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 2, line 6, for (-CH ca CH ca CH2-) read 2 2 2 2 (CH CH CH CH CH CH column 4 line 3L v for "hydroxy-pregn" read hydroxypregn ---3 column 6, lines 331 and 63, for "3B(3dimethylaminopr'opoxy)pregn-5-ene" each occurrence read BB-(3-diethylaminopropoxy)pregn-5ene column 9, lines 45 and 46, for "-(p-tolylsulfohyloxy) androst-S-ene" read (p-tolylsulfonyloxy)androst-S-ene column l0 line 32 for "this" read the column 12,

line 33, after "propoxy" strike out the closing parenthesis; and insert instead a closing bracket; line 70, for Yalk" read Alk Signed and sealed this 24th day of July 1962;,

(SEAL) Arrest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER- 4 f 4 DAVID L. LADD Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. A COMPOUND SELECTED FROM THE GROUP CONSISTING OF COMPOUNDS OF THE FORMULA 